| hospital bed capacity | The number of beds which a hospital has been designed and constructed to contain. It may also refer to the number of beds set up and staffed for use. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| nail bed | The area of the corium on which the nail rests; it is extremely sensitive and presents numerous longitudinal ridges on its surface. According to some anatomists, the nail bed is the portion covered by the body of the nail, the nail matrix being only the part on which the root of the nail rests. Synonym: matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, nail matrix, onychostroma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| quartz wedge | <microscopy> A compensator consisting of a gradual wedge of quartz of such orientation and dimensions as to show at least several orders of retardation colours as illustrated by the Michel Levy scale of retardation colours and birefringence vs. Thickness of specimen. The Babinet compensator employs two opposing quartz wedges, calibrated in terms of retardation. (05 Aug 1998) |
| ovarian wedge resection | <gynaecology, procedure> The surgical removal of a portion of a polycystic ovary to induce ovulation. (05 Jan 1998) |
| fluidised-bed boiler | A large, refractory-lined vessel with an air distribution member or plate in the bottom, a hot gas outlet in or near the top, and some provisions for introducing fuel. The fluidised bed is formed by blowing air up through a layer of inert particles (such as sand or limestone) at a rate that causes the particles to go into suspension and continuous motion. The super-hot bed material increased combustion efficiency by its direct dontact with the fuel. (05 Dec 1998) |
| fracture bed | A narrow, extra-firm bed for treatment of fractures; usually incorporates an overhead frame for traction apparatus. (05 Mar 2000) |